The Aryavarth Express
Agency (India): In a step towards India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India launched a comprehensive report on the country’s energy transition roadmap. The report, titled “Synchronizing energy transitions towards possible Net-Zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for All,” was prepared by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and provides insights into the optimal pathways and energy mix needed for India’s net-zero future.
The launch event, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on April 3rd, 2024, was attended by eminent dignitaries including Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog; Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission; and Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor of the Homi Bhabha National Institute and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, among others.
The IIM-A research team, led by Prof. Amit Garg from the Public Systems Group, conducted the study with the objective of minimizing the cost of power for consumers while working out an optimum mix of energy sources to achieve net-zero emissions. The study was guided by an expert group constituted by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, comprising experts from diverse power generation sectors such as coal, nuclear, solar, wind, and biofuels.
Key findings from the report highlight that there is no single solution to achieving net-zero emissions, and multiple pathways involving a co-existence of various technologies will be necessary. While coal is projected to remain the backbone of India’s energy system for the next two decades, the report emphasizes that substantial nuclear power and renewable energy generation will be crucial for achieving net-zero by 2070.
The report suggests that India’s electricity sector will need to decarbonize well before 2070 to meet the net-zero target. It estimates that India’s carbon emissions would range between 0.56 billion tons and 1.0 billion tons of CO2 in 2070, with the remaining gap expected to be offset through sequestration in forestry and tree cover, as outlined in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The transition towards net-zero will also require active policies on critical minerals and carbon dioxide removal technologies, along with a focus on nuclear power and renewable energy to achieve clean and affordable electricity for consumers. The report projects a widespread electrification of end-use sectors, with the share of electricity in total final energy consumption increasing from the current 18% to 47-52% by 2070.
Achieving these ambitious targets will require substantial financial resources, with the report estimating a requirement of Rs 150-200 lakh crore (approximately US$ 2-2.5 trillion) during the period 2020-2070. This translates to an annual investment of US$ 40-50 billion, highlighting the need for considerable international financial flows to support India’s clean energy transition.
Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, praised the report for its comprehensive approach, stating that it provides a holistic view of the Indian energy sector and sheds light on potential pathways for a development-led transition to net-zero. He emphasized the need for synergizing efforts across various sectors and noted that more such studies are needed to guide India’s energy transition.
Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, welcomed the study as the need of the hour, highlighting its India-centric perspective. He also stressed the importance of developing technologies for low-cost hydrogen production to support the transition.
Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, expressed satisfaction with the report’s findings, which aligned with simulation studies conducted by NITI Aayog. He acknowledged the development-led approach as the right path towards a clean energy transition and emphasized the crucial role of nuclear energy in reducing dependence on critical minerals and tackling the intermittency of renewable energy supply.
Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, provided an overview of India’s ongoing nuclear program and plans to increase the installed nuclear capacity to 100GW by 2047. He appreciated the report as a vital input for further policy formulations.
The launch of this report marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a net-zero future. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, industries, and stakeholders to align their efforts and investments towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. As India continues to balance its development goals with its climate commitments, the insights and recommendations from this report will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy landscape in the decades to come.
With a clear vision and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, India can emerge as a global leader in clean energy, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand. The path to net-zero is challenging, but with the right policies, investments, and technological advancements, India is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious targets and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
